Design and simulation of a 32 kWp grid-connected photovoltaic system using PVsyst software in the city of Tripoli

Abstract

Renewable energy is considered an alternative source to reduce the use of conventional energy, as solar energy is among the most popular energy sources, and its radiation can be utilized to generate electricity when it falls on photovoltaic solar panels (PV Panels). In this study, a grid-connected monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic system with a total power of 32 kW, consisting of panels with a power of 400 W each, was designed and simulated. Simulation is necessary to analyze the performance and efficiency of the system, energy losses, radiation, and other related factors. Thus, the performance analysis provided by this simulation can be utilized in the design, operation, and maintenance of new grid-connected photovoltaic solar energy systems. In this study, a simulation program was used as a design tool to simulate the photovoltaic system, which was developed by the University of Geneva as an educational tool to explain the procedures and models used in detail. The study area is located in the city of Tripoli. The simulation results showed that the nominal energy of the array (Array Nominal Energy) available and fed into the grid is 63.46 MWh, while the inverter energy available and fed into the grid is 53.615 MWh. The system performance ratio is 82.22% due to numerous losses that occur. This study can be useful for the design and operation of grid-connected solar energy systems.